How Many Attorneys Does it Take?

I know this sounds like a joke, but I was actually serious. How many attorneys you consult about a problem gives an indication of your interest and trust. How many should you consult? If you receive a recommendation from a trusted friend, and the attorney is competent to handle your case, you may not want to waste time getting second opinions.

Most good attorneys, like any good doctor, will be happy for you to seek out a second opinion. Once you have consulted and aquired a number of opinions, in choosing an attorney you should consider a several questions:
Who do you trust more?
Who makes you feel most comfortable?
Whose advice will you most easily accept?
Who has the simplest fee structure?
Who expects the most up front money, or Retainer?
Who has the expertise in your area of law?
Who has been in practice longer?
Who is most up to date on the Law?

In answering these questions, you will be able to select the attorney most competent to handle your case.

Do not be afraid to ask hard questions, such as:
How much will this cost?
What are the negative possibilities?
Am I liable for any other costs or fees?
Will the court order the other side to pay your fees?
Most important when suing for money damages, child support, alimony, or equitable distribution, what are my chances of actually collecting from the defendant?

In the end, the more answers you have at the beginning, the more likely you are to understand the process and potential outcomes.

So, how many attorneys does it take to change a lightbulb? Just One, but it has to be a good Case.

OK, here is the joke: How many attorneys does it take to change a lightbulb? Four. One to change the lightbulb. One to climb the ladder, one to shake the ladder, one to sue the ladder company.